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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Outs and Ins



In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” Deuteronomy 6:20-25

In a nutshell, these verses give the story of God's deliverance for his people from Egypt and from the bondage of Pharaoh. The people were instructed to pay close attention and remember God's dealings with them. Future days would bring questioning from their children about the commandments from God and the people were given this synopsis. plain and simple, "We were slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out with a mighty hand."

This is one of the most thrilling sections of scripture, demonstrating to God's people the lengths to which he will go to see his promises fulfilled. Think of the signs and wonders he sent to persuade Pharaoh to release the children of Israel. It is summed up completely in verse 23, " he (God) brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors."
 
Those who were in bondage had the same problem we have sometimes. They viewed their lives entirely in the realm of the physical.  Now that they were slaves, they had difficulty in believing and knowing the one who breathed into them the breath of life, loved them enough to deliver them from slavery and give them the land he had promised to their ancestors. They saw and realized the power of God as he brought them freedom. He brought them out, so he could bring them in. 

Think for a moment about whatever may be in your life that enslaves you. It may be the sin of gossip, slander, stealing, alcohol, or anything that has you in its grip. God wants to bring you out of that. But just like the children of Israel, he also wants to bring you in.  He loves you so much he wants to bring you into the experience of his eternal promises.  

Do you trust God to do that?  He certainly has the power. He has the desire. He has everything needed. Do you suppose anyone would choose to remain in slavery if freedom was offered? Any sane person would choose the freedom of the promised land. 

Can we see the futility of remaining enslaved to a worldly lifestyle, while God offers his loving deliverance? Listen to the still, small voice. God loves you and is longing to bring you out, so he can bring you in. 

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